Minimal music (also called minimalism) is a form of art music or other compositional practice that employs limited or minimal musical materials. Want the most simple, happy and hypnotic minimalist music there is? Tintinnabulation is an area I sometimes wander into when I am searching for answers, in my life, my music, my work, the composer says. The genres mainstays make the list Adams, Reich, Glass, and Riley as well as some other composers you may have yet to discover. When many composers believe complexity is the solution for originality, Glass reminds us that simplicity wins when placed into the hands of a skilled craftsman. Mothertongue - Nico Muhly (2008) Innovation. Our Top 10 Most Famous Minimalist Painters and Their Top Artworks. Louis Andriessen, M is for Man, Music, Mozart (1991) Reacting against what he saw as the rigid conservatism of the concert hall, in the 1970s Dutch composer Louis Andriessen stopped writing for traditional ensembles, choosing instead to write mostly for non-orchestral instruments like saxophones and electric guitars, and refusing to compose for string instruments at all. Frank Stella, Black Paintings (1959): Some of Stella's defining works, these paintings incorporated various formations of black lines, the structure of which was determined by the canvases rather than emotional intent. The whole work was broadcast live on Radio 3 from the Wellcome Collection in London last year, performed throughout the night by musicians (including Richter himself) who took shifts playing in between short naps, while the audience in the room slept in beds around them. As performances vary so much every recording of In C is completely different we particularly like this interpretation from the Bang on a Can All-Stars new music ensemble in New York, who use an array of instruments from all over the world. A piece normally performed between 30 and 60 minutes in duration, the entire score is written on just one page of music. Become Ocean is an epic work for large orchestra, and along with Debussys La Mer might just be one of the most evocative musical depictions of the sea weve ever heard, except that this ocean is witnessed from beneath, with vast waves of sound slowly cresting and crashing overhead. Meanwhile combining the influences of European Modernism, Jazz, and American minimalism in his music, Andriessen developed a unique mature style, writing music thats funky, angular and repetitive, full of punchy melodies and driving rhythms. However, self-proclaimed minimalist composer Tom Johnson claims to have been the first to use the term 'minimalism' in reference to music as music critic for The Village Voice. Minimalist music is an originally American genre of experimental or Downtown music named in the 1960s. However, he came back to it in the widely-publicized collaboration with Sufjan Stevens Planetarium. . Max Richter, Sleep (2015) - For those who claim that minimalist music puts them to sleep British composer Max Richter has written the perfect response: an enormous eight-hour long piece for small ensemble that is literally intended to help the listener nod off, then accompanies them through the night and gently rouses them in the morning. However, deciphering the best minimalist music can be a daunting task; so much great work has been created in this genre. Trentemller made his debut in 1997 together with DJ T.O.M. 2021, YES Classical Music - All Rights reserved. This characteristic has come to define his music. The simplest inventions in our history have had the most impact. Some of these works are very popular in the canon of classical music, while others deserve greater recognition by audiences. Philip Glass His 1982 collection for piano and chamber group, Glassworks, includes textbook examples of the Glass minimalist style, and Opening is beautifully graceful and contemplative. Music for Airports is perhaps the most artistic rendition of background music ever created. She composed Ellis Island, a work for two pianists, for her own film of the same name, in 1981. Prime from Femenine is poised and unhurried, a beautiful example of what he called his organic music style. Essentially, he said, my contribution was to introduce repetition into Western music as the main ingredient without any melody over it, without anything just repeated patterns, musical patterns.. Go directly to shout page. Donald Judd Judd, Donald Donald Clarence Judd (June 3, 1928 - February 12, 1994) was an American minimalist artist (a term he rejected strongly). Lots of pieces could be chosen by Adams, but we are choosing his quintessential minimalist work, Phrygian Gates, for solo piano. Trances fourth movement, aptly titled Trance 4, showcases Gordons unique compositional skill; a jocular melody exchanged between a few instruments gradually builds into an unforgettable climax fraught with pulsating rhythms and a distorted guitar melody. American composer Steve Reich composed Different Trains for string quartet and recorded tape notably tape featuring human voices, produced to form melodies. Philip Glass (1937) Regarded as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, Glass has developed minimalism through his film scores, operas, symphonies, and other classical genres. So we're going to examine what makes music "minimal" and what makes minimal music unique. Weve dug through the minimalist music canon to find some of the very best and most relaxing pieces written in the genre. when they Paul Kalkbrenner 589,255 listeners Paul Kalkbrenner (1977) is a producer, DJ and actor from Berlin, Germany. John Luther Adams, Become Ocean (2013) Not to be confused with the John Adams already mentioned, fellow American composer John Luther Adams has spent much of his life living in Alaska and is deeply influenced by environmental concerns and the natural landscape. Extinction Rebellion activists halt Verdi Requiem at Concertgebouw, comparing to, Paddington star Hugh Bonneville says fictional bear was my first friend in. Head to American composer Terry Riley and try his repetitive and relentless minimalist work, In C. Composed in 1964, its scored for an undefined number of performers although Riley suggests a group of 35 is about right and consists of 53 short, numbered musical phrases that may be repeated by each musician in the ensemble as many times as they like, at their discretion. A trio of '60s figures, LaMonte Young, Terry Riley and Steve Reich, did the most to pioneer the field, though Philip Glass had the most success with the style during the 1970s. NOTED WORKS BY MUHLY: Keep In Touch, Two Boys. Minimalist composers include: Hans Abrahamsen (born in Denmark) John Adams (born in the US) Laurie Anderson (born in the US) Louis Andriessen (born in the Netherlands) William Basinski (born in the US) David Behrman (born in Austria) Barbara Benary (born and died in the US) Read more: 9 of the most relaxing pieces of modern classical music. John Adams, Harmonium (1987) Arguably the leading American composer of his generation, Adamss music is loved by audiences all over the world, and sure enough this grand choral symphony is a riot from start to finish. Steve Reich - 10 of the best The composer - one of the founders of minimalism - has been at the forefront of contemporary music for over 50 years. Having mutated over the '70s. What makes In C so special is not just the music, but rather its place in history; although technically not the first minimalist work ever created, it is perhaps the oldest minimalist work still frequently performed in the repertoire today. Repetitive patterns can make for a mesmerising and ultimately hypnotising listening experience, perfect for unwinding and taking some time to reflect. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. A collection of some of the most stirring and dramatic classical pieces ever written. The movement exhibiting Glass minimalist tendencies is the final movement, Evening Song. Click here to listen to the Classic FM Relax playlist on Global Player, the official Classic FM app. Minimalist indeed! NOTED WORKS BY MAX RICHTER: Recomposed: Four Seasons, On the Nature of Daylight. My hope, the composer said, is that the music creates a strange, beautiful, overwhelming sometimes even frightening landscape, and invites you to get lost in it. Listening, its almost as we if we ourselves do become ocean. It sounds like it shouldnt work but somehow does. Wed love to hear what you would add! It is based on the musical language and instrumentation of three very diffierent types: African percussion, Indonesian Gamelan and Western tonality. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. 10. Arvo Prt, Fratres (for Violin and Piano, 1980) Estonian composer Arvo Prts mystical brand of minimal music has been dubbed Holy Minimalism along with the similarly slow, meditative output of fellow composers John Tavener and Henryk Grecki. The climax at 7'30'' (in the recording above) is some of the most impressive multi-piano music perhaps ever written. Minimal-ambient music for two pianos, played by a single pianist-composer. In fact, in the 1960's Nyman claimed to have concocted "a recipe for the successful minimal music". 87,139 listeners, Arvo Prt It may include features such as phase shifting, resulting in what is termed phase . Brian Eno. 2010. Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi studied in the European modernist tradition with the likes of Luciano Berio and Karlheinz Stockhausen, but when he discovered the work of American minimalists, he brought a simplicity and clarity into his composing style. One of the greatest compositions ever penned, Reichs Music for 18 Musicians transcends genre, with influences from classical, jazz, trance, and Eastern multicultural music. The seminal In C inspired a subsequent generation of minimalist composers, and is a prominent example of aleatoric music (also called indeterminate or chance music), whereby elements of the composition are left to chance or to be decided by the performers. We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience of our website. American composer John Luther Adams 2014 work, Become Ocean, was awarded that years music Pulitzer Prize. David Lang/Michael Gordon/Julia Wolfe, Shelter (2005) As well as being established composers in their own right, David Lang, Michael Gordon and Julia Wolfe together form the composing supergroup Bang on a Can, which also stages concerts, commissions new work from other composers, and has its own ensemble (the Bang on a Can All-Stars whose recording of In C we already recommended). The composer, who regularly writes music inspired by nature, was commissioned by the Seattle Symphony to compose a work that reflected the stunning waters of the Pacific Northwest. Conceived around '68-'69, 'Two Pages' is born out of the composer's Shankar-informed technique of . One of the main innovations in the contemporary classical field, Minimalism has also influenced new age composers and electronic producers alike, particularly in progressive electronic styles where sequencers play an important role. Phrases, consonant harmonies, and information on the day he turns 80, here are 10.. The singer takes us through a journey completing this opera, yet only. To the Classic FM app instead serve as the backdrop for a conversation or meditation impressive multi-piano music ever. Gordon: Gene takes a Drink, Yo Shakespeare Match Girl Passion modern minimalism Glass And ultimately hypnotising listening experience, perfect for unwinding and taking some time to reflect tones! 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